It said releasing these activists would "demonstrate the government's adherence to the [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's] and other international commitments to uphold the fundamental freedoms of all its citizens."

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pardoned more than 100 people on March 18 ahead of Norouz, the New Year holiday.

Among those pardoned were Orxan Eyyubzade, a prominent blogger; Basir Suleymanli, a leader of an election-monitoring NGO; and activist Anar Qasimli.